Columbiana County Park District board members celebrate the swearing in of newly-appointed member Megan McMaster of Columbiana and reappointed member Tom Butch of Salem to three-year terms Wednesday morning. Pictured from left are board members Joe Lawhorn, Tom Butch, Megan McMaster, county Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Thomas Baronzzi and board member Crystal Siembida Boggs. Not in attendance was board member Dave Hughes. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — Columbiana resident Megan McMaster will serve as the newest member of the Columbiana County Park District board, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Eileen Dray-Bardon in October.

“I’m excited. I feel like there’s a lot of changes coming. I’m excited to see what happens,” McMaster said, adding she can feel the community support for the park district.

Board member Crystal Siembida Boggs said she suggested McMaster apply for the open spot, noting she’s on the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail every day.

McMaster and longtime board member Tom Butch, of Salem, who’s term was renewed, both recited their oaths of office administered by Columbiana County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Thomas Baronzzi on Wednesday morning at the downtown courthouse in Lisbon. Their three-year terms will span from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2028.

They were joined for the occasion by fellow board members Boggs, of Columbiana, and Joe Lawhorn, of Lisbon, and McMaster’s husband, Phil. Board member David Hughes wasn’t in attendance.

Baronzzi made the appointment of McMaster based on the recommendation of the park district board. Two candidates had submitted letters of interest or resumes for the position.

McMaster has served as business administrator for McMaster Farms LLC in Columbiana since 2010 and done some volunteer work for various events. On her resume, she described herself as a runner, walker and hiker and her interests include outdoor recreation and exploring famous landmarks, historical sites and cultural attractions.

She attended the most recent meeting of the park district board where members put out a call for sponsors for the 2026 program guide. Anyone interested in supporting the park district can call the park district office at 330-424-9078 or send an email to info@columbianacountyparkdistrict.org.

According to a recent post on the park district’s social media page, a business-card size ad will help enhance parks and trails, expand educational programs, maintain safe, accessible outdoor spaces for families and continue improvements along the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail.

“As a sponsor, your organization will be seen by residents across the county while directly supporting parks, nature and outdoor recreation,” the post said.

During the meeting, one of the items listed for discussion for new business was financial concerns, with Butch, who’s acting chairman, asking if they wanted to try for a levy again. He said it would be 2028 before they could go on the ballot again, pointing to the cost during odd years, if they don’t do it next year, which he didn’t really want to do and neither did Siembida Boggs.

She said the whole reason she wanted to be on the board was to start promoting what they offer and build support, then try again.

Lawhorn said he was promoting the bike race Coal Country Roubaix with a display at Christmas at the Fairgrounds, a drive-thru light display on the midway at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds in Lisbon, and decided to sponsor a display for the park district, too. That helps promote the park district and helps the district build a relationship with the fair board.

In other business, the board gave district Administrative Assistant Lisa Shafer permission to spend up to $600 for a new printer instead of buying toner for their copier, which was quoted at $969 or $1,209. Another new business topic was a new electric heater for the bathroom at the Jefferson Street building, with Lawhorn agreeing to donate a heater that he already has at home.

During discussion about filling up the diesel fuel tank, Lawhorn suggested finding a sponsor to cover the cost of up to $300.

Siembida Boggs proposed changing the policy regarding purchases to give the maintenance crew permission to make purchases for items they need up to $300 without prior approval from the board. The rest of the board agreed and approved the change after some discussion.

Also presented was a new sign for the Leetonia trailhead of the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail from proceeds from the Halloween Dash & Monster Mile sponsored by the Siembida & Boggs Philanthropic Foundation, along with car magnets for board members using their own vehicles to maintain park facilities.

mgreier@mojonews.com